By Ufuoma Sekegor
In a renewed drive to strengthen environmental sanitation and safeguard public health, the Delta State Waste Management Board, in collaboration with Private Sector Participants (PSPs), Isoko Branch, has carried out a large-scale clean-up and maintenance operation at the Ozoro dumpsite.
The exercise, which involved environmental officials and accredited waste contractors, focused on the evacuation of accumulated refuse, clearing of waste heaps, and improvement of access routes within the facility to enhance operational efficiency.
Chairman of the Board, Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema, described the initiative as a proactive intervention aimed at reinforcing sustainable waste management practices across the state, particularly as the rainy season approaches.
According to him, the operation reflects the Board’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for residents.
“Effective waste management remains a critical component of sustainable development. This clean-up exercise demonstrates our determination to maintain acceptable environmental standards and prevent avoidable health risks,” Edema stated.
He noted that the partnership with PSP operators underscores the state government’s inclusive strategy in addressing sanitation challenges, adding that collaboration with the private sector enhances responsiveness and service delivery.
“The Private Sector Participants are indispensable stakeholders in our environmental sustainability agenda. Through synergy and shared responsibility, we can achieve lasting sanitation outcomes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Member representing Delta South on the Board, Chief (Mrs.) Juliet Enifome Ethe, called on residents of Ozoro and surrounding communities to adopt responsible waste disposal practices.
She warned that indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially during the rainy season, could result in blocked drainage systems and increased risk of disease outbreaks.
“We must complement government efforts by adhering strictly to approved waste disposal channels. Environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility,” she emphasized.
Supervisor of the exercise, Mrs. Mary Ogodo, commended the PSP operators in Isoko for their cooperation and dedication, describing them as reliable partners in advancing environmental management objectives.
She assured that the Board would sustain regular monitoring and routine maintenance of dumpsites to ensure continued efficiency and environmental safety.
The Ozoro intervention forms part of the Board’s broader strategy to build a resilient and responsive waste management framework aimed at protecting public health and promoting environmental sustainability across Delta State
